The documents you'll need before you walk in

Most banks require two things to open an account: proof of identity and proof of address. A government-issued ID—driver's license, passport, or state ID card—covers identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a bank statement from another institution if it shows your current address.

If you don't have a current address—you're living with family, in temporary housing, or unhoused—tell the bank before you go in. Many will accept a shelter address, a friend's address where mail can reach you, or a PO box, though policies vary by bank and by state. Call ahead rather than showing up without a plan; a 10-minute phone call saves a wasted trip.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank will use it to check ChexSystems, a banking history database, and to report interest income to the IRS. If you don't have either, some banks and credit unions will still open an account—ask specifically whether they offer accounts without an SSN or ITIN.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued ID and proof of your current address, both of which you can show in person at the bank.
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN is standard but not always required; call the bank first if you don't have one.
  • If you have a ChexSystems record from a closed account or unpaid fees, some banks will still open an account for you, but others won't.
  • Bring the minimum opening deposit if the account requires one—this varies from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank and account type.
  • Online banks usually have lower or no opening deposits and can complete the process entirely by phone or computer, though you'll still need to verify your identity.

What ChexSystems means and whether it will stop you

ChexSystems is a database that tracks banking problems: accounts closed due to overdrafts, unpaid fees, fraud, or suspicious activity. When you explore for an account, the bank checks your history there. If you have a record, the bank may deny you, charge you higher fees, or restrict what you can do with the account.

A ChexSystems record doesn't automatically disqualify you. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and will open one even if you have a history. Credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks. If you're denied, ask the bank why—they're required to tell you—and then contact ChexSystems directly to verify what's on your record. You can dispute inaccurate information.

If you know you have a ChexSystems record, call banks before visiting. Ask whether they offer accounts to people with your specific history. This takes 5 minutes and saves you from being turned away in person.

Opening deposits and monthly fees

Opening deposits range from zero to several hundred dollars. Many large national banks require $100 to $300 to open a checking account. Online banks and credit unions often require nothing. Some accounts waive the opening deposit if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.

Monthly maintenance fees also vary widely—from zero to $15 or more. Banks often waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), receive direct deposit, or use their ATM a certain number of times per month. Read the fee schedule before you open the account; it's usually available on the bank's website or you can ask for it in person.

If you're opening an account with limited money, online banks and credit unions are usually cheaper. They have lower opening deposits and lower or no monthly fees because they don't maintain physical branches.

How to verify your identity if you're opening an account online

Online banks can't see your documents in person, so they use other methods. Most will ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address. Some use video verification—you'll have a brief video call with someone who confirms you're the person in your ID photo. A few use knowledge-based questions: they'll ask you details about your credit history or past addresses that only you would know.

The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You'll need a camera or smartphone to take clear photos of both sides of your ID and your address document. Make sure the photos are in focus and the text is readable. If the bank can't read your documents, it will ask you to resubmit.

Some online banks will let you start using your account when ready while they verify your identity in the background. Others will hold your account until verification is complete, which usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

What happens if you don't have a government ID

A government-issued ID is standard, but not universal. If you don't have one, your options narrow but don't disappear. Some credit unions and community banks will open an account with alternative documents: a passport card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or even a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a letter from a social service agency.

Call ahead. Explain what documents you do have and ask whether the bank will work with you. If the first bank says no, try a credit union or a smaller local bank—they often have more flexibility. Some banks also partner with nonprofit organizations that help unbanked or underbanked people; these partnerships sometimes include more lenient ID requirements.

If you're working toward getting a government ID, many states offer free or low-cost ID cards specifically for people who need them for banking or other essential services. Your local DMV or a legal aid organization can tell you what's available in your state.

Bringing a co-signer or authorized representative

If you can't go to the bank yourself, you may be able to send someone else. Some banks allow an authorized representative—a family member, friend, or social worker—to open an account on your behalf if you give them written permission and they bring your documents plus their own ID. Not all banks allow this, and the rules vary.

If you're a minor, a parent or guardian will usually need to be present or sign paperwork. Some banks offer teen accounts that a minor can open with a parent's permission but manage independently once opened.

Call the bank and ask what their policy is. If they allow a representative, ask what documents you need to sign and what the representative needs to bring. Getting this clear before the visit prevents delays.

What to do if you're denied

If a bank denies your account, they must tell you why—either in writing or in person. Common reasons are a ChexSystems record, insufficient ID, or an address they can't verify. Ask for the specific reason and what you can do to fix it.

If the reason is ChexSystems, contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or through their website to see what's on your record and whether you can dispute it. If the reason is ID or address, gather better documents and try a different bank. If the reason is fraud or suspicious activity, you may need to contact law enforcement or a legal aid organization to clear your name before any bank will work with you.

Don't give up after one rejection. Different banks have different standards. A bank that won't open an account for you may be willing to do so at a different branch, or a credit union in your area may have looser requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Yes, some banks and credit unions will open an account with an ITIN or sometimes with no tax ID at all, though this is less common. Call ahead and ask specifically whether they offer accounts without an SSN. Credit unions are more likely to say yes than large national banks.

What if my address keeps changing?

Use the address where mail can reliably reach you—a shelter, a friend's place, a PO box, or a family member's home. Update your address with the bank whenever it changes. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in person. The bank needs a current address for statements and for regulatory reasons.

Do I need to bring cash for the opening deposit?

No. You can bring a check, a debit card, or arrange a transfer from another account. Some banks let you mail a check or set up an electronic transfer before you visit. Ask when you call to confirm what documents you need.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it can take 10 minutes to an hour depending on how the bank verifies your identity. Some online banks let you use the account when ready; others hold it for 1 to 3 business days while they confirm your documents.

What if I was banned from banking because of fraud?

You may still open an account, but it will take more work. Some banks specialize in accounts for people with fraud histories. Credit unions are sometimes willing to work with you if you explain what happened and show you've changed. If the fraud was serious or recent, you may need to wait a year or more before any bank will take you.